Tonight Ian Watson’s Salford Red Devils welcome the visit of St Helens in our final game of the 2017 season here is the preview for tonight’s Super 8s clash.
Form
It hasn’t been an easy ride for the Red Devils in their first ever Super 8s however they did win earn a comfortable 52-14 victory in their previous home outing against Huddersfield and Salford will be looking to react from last weekend’s defeat at Leeds by ending St Helens’ charge for a top four spot.
A win for Saints would confirm their position in the Super League semi-finals which would highlight the turnaround at the club since Justin Holbrook’s arrival in May. St Helens head into tonight’s game following back-to-back wins against Yorkshire sides Wakefield and Huddersfield.
Head-to-head
Tonight’s game could be decided on which half-back performs better between Robert Lui and Jonny Lomax. Both players are of similar stature and play a similar brand of rugby.
Lui has been a consistent performer for the Red Devils throughout 2017 and his creativity near the opponents line means he’s a danger every time he has ball in hand. Look out for Lui linking up with back-rower Ben Murdoch-Masila – they’re partnership has been lethal at times in 2017.
Lomax has been in terrific form for St Helens as of late scoring three tries in his last two games as well crossing in each of his last three meetings with Salford. Lomax is a versatile player who can play at full-back or in the halves but expect him to be in the playmaking role this evening due to the arrival of Ben Barba. Lomax will be looking to make it three try-scoring appearances on the run.
Meetings this season
The last time St Helens visited the The Salford Stadium back late March the Red Devils earned a 22-14 victory with Michael Dobson being the star of the show crossing for two tries and kicking four goals. Craig Kopczak also powered his way over with Lomax, Alex Walmsley and Ryan Morgan and scoring for St Helens.
Watson’s men were on course to make it two wins from two against St Helens in 2017 leading 24-8 with seven minutes remaining but late tries from James Roby, Regan Grace and Jonny Lomax and a 40-yard Matty Smith drop-goal sealed victory for St Helens. A Niall Evalds double with tries from Greg Johnson and Lui had given Salford a 16-point lead.
Fans can still purchase tickets for tonight’s game against St Helens up until kick-off from the Club Ticket Office. Season Tickets are valid for tonight’s game. Fans can also purchase tickets for tonight’s End of Season Awards Evening from the Club Ticket Office and it will take place in our 1873 suite post-match.
